Abstract
Ayurveda has delineated a unique classification entitled ‘Upavisha varga’ comprising of certain semi-poisonous medicinal plants. Bhanga (Cannabis) is one amongst them in this category depicting its narcotic nature from Sanskrit synonyms. Bhanga has been in use since the Vedic age under the controversial plant of Soma that had special importance due to its mystical effects on the brain. All the texts of Ayurveda have described Bhanga in detail of its pharmacological properties, indications, various dosage forms, doses, pharmacovigilance aspects, and its extensive use in Indian Alchemy. The following review throws light on the occurrence and usage of Bhanga in excerpts from classical texts of Ayurveda from a pharmacological and pharmaceutical point of view thus, providing a rationale for its safe medical usage.
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Abbreviations
- CNS:
-
Central nervous system
- ECS:
-
Endocannabinoid system
- GI:
-
Gastro-intestinal
- IBD:
-
Inflammatory bowel disease
- IBS:
-
Irritable bowel syndrome
- NDPS:
-
Narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances
- THC:
-
Tetrahydrocannabinol
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Ranade, A., Tavhare, S.D., Acharya, R., Pawar, S.D. (2022). Cannabis (Bhanga) in Classical Text of Ayurveda: An Evidence-Based Rationale. In: Agrawal, D.C., Kumar, R., Dhanasekaran, M. (eds) Cannabis/Marijuana for Healthcare. Springer, Singapore. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-16-8822-5_12
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